# Does Hypothyroidism Affect Sleep? The Hidden Connection

By Dr. Benedicte Lerche · Thyroid Health

> Why people with hypothyroidism often suffer from insomnia and poor sleep — the role of stress hormones, low blood sugar, and how improving thyroid function restores sleep quality.

## Is Your Thyroid To Blame For Your Sleep Issues?

Many people with sleep issues suffer from low thyroid function, also called hypothyroidism. In the low thyroid state, the cells of the body cannot relax, and the body overproduces stress hormones including cortisol and adrenalin. Especially too high adrenalin makes it difficult to fall and stay asleep. People with low thyroid function often suffer from low blood sugar issues, which also contribute to sleep problems.

## Why Low Thyroid People Can't Relax

According to [Dr. Ray Peat](/blog/who-is-dr-ray-peat), the problem for hypothyroid people is that they cannot relax because relaxation takes energy. In the low energy state of hypothyroidism, cells are constantly overexcited. Hypothyroid people often feel very tired but they have trouble sleeping and their quality of sleep is also low. In contrast, the high-energy state of good thyroid function makes cells able to relax and regenerate, which makes them ready to work when needed. You can learn more about the consequences of low and high thyroid function in my [Thyroid Optimization™](/courses/thyroid-optimization) course.

## Thyroid Function and Stress Hormones

In the low thyroid state, the body cannot generate enough cellular energy and therefore has to use stress hormones such as cortisol and adrenalin to keep the body going. These stress hormones are stimulating in the short term but they are very harmful if present at high levels for a long time. High levels of stress hormones cause insomnia and fatigue. In addition, high stress hormones over time cause chronic inflammation, hormonal imbalances, and many degenerative conditions.

Healing from insomnia and sleep problems therefore often involves improving thyroid function and lowering stress hormones. I address the hormonal side of this in my [Hormone Restore™](/courses/hormone-restore) course.

## Low Blood Sugar and Sleep

People with low thyroid function often have problems with blood sugar regulation. Low blood sugar during the night causes a spike in stress hormones, which then disrupts sleep. Therefore keeping blood sugar steady throughout the day — and using a small snack of protein and good carbohydrates before bed — can significantly improve sleep quality. The dietary principles for keeping blood sugar stable are covered in my book [How to Boost Metabolism with Food](/books/how-to-boost-metabolism-with-food) and my [Metabolic Food Mastery™](/courses/metabolic-food-mastery) course.

## Light and Sleep

Light exposure during the day and darkness at night are important for healthy sleep. In a pro-metabolic approach, getting adequate daylight — or using light therapy when sunlight is limited — supports the hormonal balance that underpins good sleep. Darkness promotes the production of stress hormones and melatonin, whereas daytime light supports the production of protective hormones. I cover light therapy and its effects on hormonal balance in my [Metabolic Living™](/courses/metabolic-living) course.

## Frequently Asked Questions

### Why does hypothyroidism cause insomnia?

Many people with sleep issues suffer from [low thyroid function also called hypothyroidism](/books/test-your-thyroid-function). In the low thyroid, state the cells of your body can’t relax, and the body overproduces stress hormones including cortisol and adrenalin. Especially too high adrenaline makes it difficult to fall and stay asleep. People with low thyroid function often suffer from low blood sugar issues, which also contribute to sleep problems.

If you have [low thyroid function](/books/test-your-thyroid-function) you are likely producing high amounts of adrenaline and cortisol. People with hypothyroidism often compensation for the low cellular energy with higher productions of these stress hormones. Thus instead of running on good thyroid function, your body is running on adrenaline and cortisol instead.

### Why does relaxation take energy?

The problem for hypothyroid people is that they can’t relax because relaxation takes energy. In the [low energy state of hypothyroidism](/courses/metabolic-food-mastery), cells are constantly overexcited. Hypothyroid people often feel very tired but they have trouble sleeping and their quality of sleep is also low. In contrast, [the high-energy state of good thyroid function](/courses/metabolic-food-mastery) makes cells able to relax and regenerate, which makes them ready to work when needed. You can learn more about the consequences of low and high thyroid function in our [Hypothyroid Treatment Program.](/courses/metabolic-food-mastery)

## Related articles

-   [Who Is Dr. Ray Peat?](/blog/who-is-dr-ray-peat)
-   [Is Protein Good for Hypothyroidism?](/blog/hypothyroidism-protein)
-   [How to Fight Chronic Inflammation: A Pro-Metabolic Perspective](/blog/inflammation-ray-peat)

**Tags:** thyroid health, sleep, cortisol, hypothyroidism, pro-metabolic lifestyle

Source: https://biochemnordic.com/blog/thyroid-sleep